What’s New in New York
It’s always astonishing how many staff picks hail from the Empire State. Here are five of our staff’s current favorites.
Bedell Cellars Merlot 2020 $18.96
5 words: juicy, fleshy, blueberry, spice, quenching. It’s no wonder Kip Bedell became known as “Mr. Merlot.” Since he and Susan planted vines in the 80s on the glacial plain known as the North Fork of Long Island, Bedell Cellars has become the benchmark for coastal Merlot. Their distinct style displays moderate alcohol, aromatic intensity, salinity, and purity of fruit. They are family owned, certified sustainable, and only use 100% indigenous yeasts. – Erikka Anderson, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Channing Daughters, Cabernet Franc 2019 $26.96
Cabernet Franc is king out on Long Island and no one does it better than winemaker Christopher Tracy and his team at Channing Daughters. They consistently craft this grape into delicious, refreshing, and reflective red wines. Melodic aromas and flavors of bright red fruit, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, and purple flowers coupled with a very faint sprinkle of herbs, silky textures, and a wonderful lightness make this wine irresistible. Pair with duck spring rolls. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Les Vins de Barbichette Nuit Blanche 2022 $33.96
Les Vins de Barbichette are a couple of people just getting started with making wine. And they’ve already brought a fresh approach to the Finger Lakes. Skin contact gives this Riesling dreamy floral and peachy aromatics. Citrus, stone fruit, tea, and a touch of tannins play on the palate. A must try for you natural winos. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Forthave Yellow Génépi Liqueur $49.96
Step aside Suze and Salers, there is a new génépi in town! This expression began as a collaboration with the ‘Liten Buffel’ winery in Niagara, New York. The floral component is lively thanks to the génépi flowers grown in the French Alps. The texture is perfectly weighted, while subtle notes of chamomile and mint linger throughout the sip. A perfect addition to the classic white negroni, but with just a little seltzer this génépi is a perfect low alcohol afternoon refresher. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Les Vins de Barbichette, “¡Claro Que Sí!”, Pét-Nat 2021 $51.96
Sometimes I just want wine to be a bottle of fun. Expect notes of citrus, herbs, and overcast sunshine on the palate and a lively lemon-lime tang on the nose. This is a fantastic introduction for anybody who swears up and down that they don’t like orange or natural wines. – Archie Archuleta, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant